More Steps for Content Calendars
Written by Kathryn Lang
Annette asked if I was using an editorial calendar for my website. I had to say no. But an editorial calendar is a great idea for managing my content and keeping that content fresh and flowing. Taking my website to the next level means pushing beyond the ordinary. Creating a list for what I want to write and when I want it posted is definitely NOT the ordinary way I do things.
Most of my life has been spent meeting deadlines by the skin of my teeth. Planning things in advance might be an option, but procrastination kept them in the planning stage. I have always been a very good procrastinator. These last several months have helped me to understand the value of following the plan if I want my website to be all that it can be.
5 Easy Steps for Planning and Writing Content
- 1. Review your website. Start your content calendar session by reviewing the content that already exists on your website. It is always a good idea to link back to your own articles whenever possible and relevant. Knowing what you have already been writing will help make that possible. Reviewing past content will also give you an idea of the topics that you tend to make the focus of your content.
2. Discover the purpose and direction of your website. Reviewing what you have written is one of the best ways to determine what you want to be writing. Knowing the vision and mission of your website will help you develop the right content for your site.
3. Create content blocks. Break up the content that has already been written into specific topics or subjects. Also consider any topics that have been raised in comments or emails to you that you have not covered. These new topics may be opportunities for you to invite in some guest bloggers.
4. Brainstorm ideas. Spend a few hours or a few days coming up with potential content titles for your different topics. Use this time to visit other blogs, forums and websites in your niche to see what are on the minds of people in the industry.
5. Work the content into your work schedule. Set aside time every day or every week to produce some of the content for your site. You can pre-post the content or keep it in a folder to be posted as needed.
Organization may not be the easiest thing for you, but it is essential to your content writing success. Not only will a content and editorial calendar organize you materials, but it will also help you get the writing done. Knowing what you are going to write and when you are going to write can be a great deterrent to writer’s block. Creating an editorial calendar may be that new step you need to make all the difference on your website.
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About the Author
Visit Kathryn online: KathrynLang.com
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Does Your Content Have Purpose? : Contentrix says:
[...] A few days ago Annette, gave us some advice on using an editorial calendar and Kathryn provided more tips for planning your content. [...]
Michelle says:
Thank you for this information. I am using the planning binder but now I’ll start using an editorial calendar. The only qualm I have is this is just one more thing to do on my to do list!